Biden predicts foes will eat their words

LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. -- Kicking off an election eve sprint in the Show-Me State, Biden told an energetic crowd that America is "on the cusp of a new brand of American leadership" with Obama.

"That's what we need," he said. "If we want to answer all those questions being raised around that kitchen table, we need to get out and elect Barack Obama president of the United States tomorrow!"

It wouldn't be a Biden speech without at least one "rhetorical flourish." The Delaware senator said McCain has been trying to convince the nation he "was not John McCain" -- when he meant to say George Bush.

"The truth is, he's not the John McCain I served with a long time," Biden said after realizing his mistake. "Freudian slip, you know, you know."

McCain, Biden challenged, is taking the "low road" to the White House, and closed by again predicting that Obama's foes will eat their words tomorrow night.

"They're calling Barack Obama every name in the book. But ladies and gentlemen, listen to me closely. Tomorrow night they'll have to call Barack Obama something else: the 44th president of the United States of America!"

Both vice-presidential candidates are rallying in Missouri today, with Palin set to campaign in Jefferson City. Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill introduced Biden and said it was the choice of a running mate that showed the country who really should lead it.

"Barack Obama chose the very best person in the country that could be president of the United States," she said. "And well, let's just say John McCain didn't."

Later today, Biden heads to Ohio for two rallies, before closing out two months on the road with a rally in Philadelphia, not far from his Delaware home. And to build the numbers, he'll be joined there by Jimmy Rollins and other members of the World Series champion Phillies.